BNP Corporate and Investment Banking (CIB) announces the creation of Investment Banking Europe, a team dedicated to servicing its strategic clients needs in France, Italy, Germany, Spain, Switzerland, the Netherlands and the UK. The Investment Banking Europe team is managed by Thierry Varène, Global Head of BNP Paribas Corporate Finance.

The Investment Banking Europe team will aim to build closer relations with about 200 large corporations with whom it will engage in strategic dialogue at the highest level. Investment Banking Europe is comprised of experienced and specialised bankers with in-depth knowledge of these customers and their requirements. They will draw on support from BNP Paribas CIB's platforms, expertise and product offering to provide these large European clients with the most appropriate ideas and solutions to meet their requirements.

Alain Papiasse, Head of BNP Paribas CIB: "BNP Paribas came out of the economic crisis stronger, and with the acquisition of Fortis it has expanded its European presence. Now, more than ever, we will be able to help our corporate customers with both their day-to-day needs and with their strategic initiatives. BNP Paribas CIB reaffirms its goal of being one of the five leading investment banks in Europe."

Thierry Varène, Head of BNP Paribas Corporate Finance and Investment Banking Europe: "BNP Paribas CIB's approach is based on close communication with its clients to provide them with the most appropriate solutions to meet their requirements. The creation of the Investment Banking Europe team is an integral part of this approach. The purpose of this team is to develop lasting relations with our strategic customers, founded on mutual trust, and to establish dialogue with them at the highest level."

About BNP Paribas Corporate and Investment Banking

BNP Paribas Corporate and Investment Banking employs about 20,000 people in over 50 countries and services 13,000 corporate and institutional clients worldwide.BNP Paribas CIB excels in:Derivatives - where it is one of the leading global players in rates, credit, forex, commodity and equity derivatives.Capital markets - where it is one of the top European houses in both ECM and DCM (bond, securitization, convertibles and equity issuance) Structured finance - where it is amongst the leaders in acquisition, export, project, energy and commodity finance globally.

BNP Paribas CIB holds leading positions in several markets (trade finance, export credit, project financing, acquisition finance, equity and debt capital markets and EUR-denominated bond issues) and is amongst the top 10 advisory banks in Europe in the mergers & acquisitions market. BNP Paribas is also one of the top banks in Europe with corporate customers thanks to its unique network of over 100 business centres in 20 countries.